TRBPrint

From an employer's perspective, I'll offer this: 1. If you already live here but don't yet have a job, I know you need me more than I need you, so your $ offer will be less. 2. If you don't already live here, I'm having two thoughts: a. Is this person going to ask for relocation $? b. Damn, if it doesn't work out, I'll feel bad that they up and moved just for this (not everyone's this nice though).

The best way I've seen others avoid this is to apply for jobs BEFORE you move, and set up phone interviews. Indicate that you're moving regardless, and you're "really pleased with the response you've gotten from employers there!". Hopefully you can say this genuinely.

This does two things - 1. Disarms the relocation $ question a little, because you're going to move anyhow. 2. Still keeps the carrot dangling a little, since you're desired by others.

I'll end with this - start the job hunt now, before you move. Do tele interviews, and schedule in-person interviews to coincide with a trip that way. In this job market, you don't want to leap before you look.

That help? Let me know any followup questions.
-P

Just thought of another big one, confusing job responsibilities with what I call "Work Impacts."

For example: Cashier Responsibilities: take payment from customers. Don't put that on your resume. Work Impacts: Coordinated 45 transactions/day, served as customer point-of-contact, balanced money drawer at end of shift, etc.

TL;DR: Don't list your job description - list how you (positively) impacted the job

Just type really, really fast!

I'm here! GREAT question, and first let me say, don't discount yourself or your skills. Your military experience is absolutely enticing to most employers...in fact, I can't think of a single HR professional or CEO, Plant Manager, President or Hiring Manager who wouldn't want to look at you very closely.

Yep, resumes need to be tailored to the job at hand. Sometimes, life's turns require seeking a job that might be a departure from your history. (this is sometimes a great thing, BTW).

So, don't "forget" about your experience, just spin it differently.

I will caution you though - that when you leave something off but it comes up in an interview, be prepared to back up why you left it off, ya know? "So you say you have a MFA, but you don't list it here. What else are you hiding?" Don't act cornered, act confident. "If I listed everything I've done in my life, I'd fill up 5 pages, and I know you don't have time for that!" (Then, quickly change the subject). Sound fair?